Historic Legislation Grants Legal Protection to National Song 'Vande Mataram'

Legislation to Protect 'Vande Mataram'

Sumitra Chatterjee, a descendant of the renowned author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has expressed her approval of the recent parliamentary approval for a bill that criminalizes the disrespect of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. She stated that this law will finally provide the historic composition with the legal recognition it has long deserved. Chatterjee, a BJP legislator from Naihati, remarked on Thursday that successive governments have failed to offer adequate legal protection to the national song since independence, but the current NDA government under Narendra Modi has taken a 'historic' step in this direction.

Chatterjee told a news agency, 'Despite years of independence, various governments have not succeeded in granting the national song its rightful legal respect. Now, the BJP-led NDA government has ensured that 'Vande Mataram' receives the honor it deserves. I am grateful to the central government for this initiative.'

On Thursday, Parliament passed the National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving it amid disruptions. The Rajya Sabha had passed the bill the previous day. This legislation amends the original act from 1971, with the government stating that 'Vande Mataram' will now hold the same status as the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. The existing legal provisions against intentional disrespect or obstruction to its singing will also apply to the national song.

The bill stipulates that deliberately preventing the singing of the national song or causing disruption during such gatherings will be considered a punishable offense. Penalties may include imprisonment for up to three years, fines, or both. During a brief discussion in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai accused the Congress party of failing to give the national song the respect it deserved during its long tenure in power.

He asserted that the Modi government is now restoring 'Vande Mataram' to its rightful place and honor. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, 'Vande Mataram' was later included in his 1882 novel 'Anandamath'. The song became a source of inspiration for the people during the freedom struggle and played a significant role in the fight against British rule.